Inter Milan will have to stump up €40million to sign Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra.
Inter Milan Want To Sign Marco Palestra Next Summer
Cristian Chivu’s Serie A leaders are lining up a summer swoop for the highly-rated defender.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Palestra’s hefty price tag has not deterred the Nerazzurri, who have been chasing him for several months.
Palestra has impressed Inter while on loan at Cagliari this season, scoring one goal and registering four assists in his 21 top-flight appearances, and his form has put Italy’s biggest clubs on red alert.
Inter are keen to fend off the competition in their search for a long-term replacement for Denzel Dumfries. The 29-year-old remains a crucial player under Chivu, but could leave at the end of the season.
If only on paper for now, Palestra would represent an ideal, trustworthy successor. However, he will certainly not come cheap. Indeed, the talent would cost €40m, with Atalanta expected to demand the highest possible figure.
La Dea already rebuffed multiple approaches last summer and will similarly stick to their guns in the summer.
Juventus also wanted Palestra, but Atalanta hold all the cards in negotiations. It will fall to head coach Raffaele Palladino to either turn down bids or look to integrate him into his first-team set-up next season.
Despite his tender age, the 20-year-old’s defensive and attacking attributes have helped turn him into a world-class talent. Praise for his displays has been glowing, and he has even been likened to Achraf Hakimi.
Could Denzel Dumfries Leave Inter Milan?
Dumfries underwent ankle surgery last month and could make his return in February with his future uncertain.
While Palestra is one potential replacement, Inter have scouted the market for other options. Talks over Ivan Perisic with PSV Eindhoven have advanced, and the veteran could now join ahead of the transfer deadline.
While he would likely still be Chivu’s first-choice right wing-back, Dumfries’ change of agent was a hint that he is actively seeking a new club. FootItalia reported he had parted ways with Jorge Mendes in December.
Mendes is one of the most influential and recognisable names in football and represents the likes of Lamine Yamal, Vitinha and Ruben Dias. He was also Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent between 2003-2022.
But Dumfries decided to leave his stable after just one year and now works with Ali Barat, founder of Epic Sports.
Barat would therefore be responsible for securing his departure next summer. Manchester United were interested at the start of the season, but may have moved on after the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
The Dutch international is tied down under contract until June 2028, having signed a new deal in November 2024.
